HR Services Manager at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
The closing date is 29 May 2026 Hours: 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
About the role
Are you an experienced HR professional who thrives on leading teams, improving services, and making a real impact? Do you enjoy combining people leadership, HR operations, and digital transformation? If so, we'd love to hear from you. We are looking for a dynamic and forward‑thinking HR Services Manager to lead our HR Services function.
Reporting to the Head of HR Services & Systems, you will manage a team delivering HR Services across: Temporary Staffing
What you'll be doing
* Leading and developing a multi‑disciplinary HR Services team
* Ensuring consistent, timely and accurate delivery of payroll and HR services
* Driving service improvement, innovation, and digital transformation
* Overseeing outsourced payroll arrangements and system assurance
* Providing senior‑level advice and support on complex HR and payroll issues
* Strengthening governance, KPIs, SOPs and audit processes
* Working closely with Finance, HR Systems, ESR teams and senior leaders
* Designing and delivering training to managers and staff to build capability
* Using workforce data to identify trends, risks, efficiencies and savings
Main duties of the job
High‑profile operational leadership role influencing how HR Services are delivered across the Trust, driving continuous improvement and shaping the future of HR Services.
Who we're looking for
* Proven experience managing HR services, payroll and/or shared services functions
* Strong people leadership and service management skills
* In‑depth knowledge of NHS payroll, ESR and temporary staffing
* Confidence working with senior stakeholders across HR, Finance and Operations
* A passion for continuous improvement, system optimisation and change
* Excellent communication skills, and the ability to simplify complex processes
You will enjoy accountability, take ownership, and bring energy and ideas to how services are delivered.
Job responsibilities
* Communicate by email, phone and face to face with HR team members, payroll staff, finance staff, Trust staff at all levels and third‑party suppliers.
* Communicate complex processes and HR policy interpretation when training on data entry and system usage processes.
* Problem‑solve day‑to‑day decisions where facts are not straightforward and conflicting information is likely (e.g., helpdesk callers, HR Services Supervisor, and other team members).
* Plan and prioritise team workloads, own daily workload and medium‑to‑long‑term workload; coordinate short‑ to medium‑term project groups/committees.
* Use the keyboard/computer daily; advanced keyboard skills required; combine sitting, standing and walking.
* Maintain and utilise HR Systems (ESR) – interrogate HR Systems for data, review data for accuracy and robustness, identify anomalies and instigate corrective action.
* Develop and redesign standard operating procedures for the HR Services team; amend and update relevant policies and ensure consistent legal and best‑practice adherence.
Qualifications
* Management qualification or equivalent on‑the‑job experience.
* Degree level or relevant business studies qualification or equivalent on‑the‑job experience.
* ESR, Oracle or e‑Rostering training or equivalent certified or on‑the‑job training.
Experience
* Managing a team.
* Managing a helpdesk function.
* Managing a team in a service environment delivering to KPIs.
* Following and updating standard operating processes.
* Change management, information management and technology issues within the healthcare environment.
* Working with HR & Payroll systems.
* Delivering presentations to small groups (1–20).
* Experience of NHS payroll processes.
* Experience of Temporary staffing processes.
* Process mapping/business analysis.
* Drafting user guides/training materials.
* Delivering ESR (or similar system) training.
* Project administration.
Knowledge and Skills
* Advanced knowledge of Electronic Staff Records in the NHS.
* Knowledge of administrative and management processes and procedures.
* Knowledge of NHS HR policies and procedures for team management.
* Knowledge of techniques for planning, monitoring and controlling projects.
* Team‑working ability and information quality production.
* Strong computer skills – Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Project, Visio) and ability to master new applications.
* Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills, priority setting.
* Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
* Ability to communicate complex IT issues to all levels of the organisation.
Personal and people development
* Meet deadlines; manage a team effectively; work flexibly and prioritise own workload and team workload.
* Work independently and as part of a team; follow instructions and ask for guidance if unsure.
* Willingness to learn; track record of delivering on target; self‑motivation and enthusiasm.
Specific requirements
* Perform duties with reasonable aids and adaptations.
* Travel independently as required; attend conferences and meetings; independent means of travel.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required.
Employer Name
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
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